When Peter Pan Mini-Golf opened in 1948, the Dismukes family couldn’t possibly imagine that it would still be around 76 years later as a pillar of the Austin community, according to Margaret Dismukes Massad, the owner and a McCallum graduate. For many years, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department managed the land for the John C. Wende Trust, granting Peter Pan a series of 20-year-long leases. Austinites’ concerns rose last year when the beloved mini golf establishment was granted a lease of only a few months, lasting until the end of September. This lease was renewed last month until the end of March 2025.

Despite this renewal, Peter Pan’s long-term future remains uncertain. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is required to transfer management of the land owned by the John C. Wende Trust to a third-party trustee with more experience handling land by the end of this year. The owners of Peter Pan are currently unsure whether or not they will be able to remain in business because, while the land can’t be sold under the trust, the new third-party could increase the rent significantly. 

“If the rent goes up, we might be forced to increase rates a little bit,” Massad said. “There will be a point where we can’t sustain it if it becomes too high. All that’s to be seen as we interact with the new trustee.”

Massad is optimistic that she will be able to negotiate with the new trustee to extend their lease, but knows that her community will support Peter Pan Mini-Golf no matter what. 

“Enough people in the city know that this has been going on for a while, so I do feel like people will rally if and when the time comes that they need to,” Massad said, “but a real hope is that the trustee will see the value of what we’ve got there and be happy to extend our lease to a multiyear lease.” 

For Massad, the importance of renewing Peter Pan Mini-Golf’s lease extends past business reasons. Massad grew up in North Austin, attending Gullett Elementary School, Lamar Middle School and McCallum, graduating in the class of ‘78. As a child, some of her happiest memories are of observing her father, Glenn Dismukes, create the sculptures that still stand today at Peter Pan Mini-Golf in her backyard.

“My favorite memories are just of my dad carving the figures,” Massad said. “We were the only kids with a dinosaur in the backyard.”

The style of hand-crafting figures for mini-golf courses has gone out of style in recent years, Peter Pan Mini-Golf is one of the few places where they still stand. Junior art major Evangeline Blackburn feels it is important to preserve this unique style of art. 

“I feel like preserving that sort of, like, old way of producing a mini golf course is really important to kind of save it, and it definitely adds old-timey charm,” Blackburn said. “And yeah, I think because it’s more old-fashioned, it’s even more important to preserve it, and show younger generations this is Austin.”

Due to its historical significance and community importance, Peter Pan Mini-Golf is in the process of being established as a historical landmark after a petition calling for landmark status received more than 26,000 signatures. Although the petition drive is still in its early stages, Massad believes that they are certain to secure historical landmark designation. This designation would make them immune from being torn down, and could boost the new trustee’s willingness to extend their lease at an affordable rate.

“It’s very early in the process,” Massad said,“but yes, we’ve had quite a few meetings with commission members and the mayor staff.” 

Part of the case for historical landmark status is the way Peter Pan Mini-Golf has united the Austin community for over seven decades through its commitment to tradition. While other mini-golf courses have tried to upgrade to advanced electronic systems, Peter Pan remains much unchanged. Throughout the years, the putt-putt course has provided a place for families, birthday parties and McCallum students to have fun and spend time together outside in a calm environment. 

“I remember going there when I was really, really little,” junior Tallulah McColgin said. “I don’t go that often, but when I do, it’s really fun. It’s just a really special place, and I have a lot of good memories of it. It’s pretty iconic.”

As the spot of many birthday parties and happy times, the idea of it closing doesn’t sit well in many McCallum students’ hearts.

“Since I had so many wonderful memories there, I would hope that children and people of all ages could continue to experience things there,” sophomore Delilah Grad said. “And it makes me sad to think that it won’t be there anymore when it’s such a cute thing that’s nearby for the people of Austin that’s accessible and easy fun.”

Students, however, are hoping to preserve the local mini-golf course for future generations. For those looking to help keep the business alive, McColgin recommends playing a round of golf at Peter Pan.

“Give them your money, give them your support, and spread the word,” McColgin said. “And if you’re a rich billionaire, donate lots of money so they can keep being Peter Pan Mini Golf.”

This story was originally published on The Shield Online on November 13, 2024.